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How Gig Workers Are Weathering the Virus Shutdown How Gig Workers Are Weathering the Virus Shutdown
(7 days later)
In New York, the epicenter of the nation’s coronavirus outbreak, the lucky ones work at home.In New York, the epicenter of the nation’s coronavirus outbreak, the lucky ones work at home.
But that’s often not an option for the 1.4 million New Yorkers who freelance, work project to project or find gigs through apps like Lyft and Wag. Much of their work has evaporated, and they may not be entitled to unemployment benefits or be covered by health insurance.But that’s often not an option for the 1.4 million New Yorkers who freelance, work project to project or find gigs through apps like Lyft and Wag. Much of their work has evaporated, and they may not be entitled to unemployment benefits or be covered by health insurance.
From a caterer whose event-based business lost the next two months of bookings, to a production assistant hoping his food-delivery gig allows him to keep paying the bills, workers have had to adjust their routines — sometimes drastically — as they cope with economic uncertainty. Here are their stories:From a caterer whose event-based business lost the next two months of bookings, to a production assistant hoping his food-delivery gig allows him to keep paying the bills, workers have had to adjust their routines — sometimes drastically — as they cope with economic uncertainty. Here are their stories:
Over the last few years, Josh Taylor has found steady work as a production assistant in movies and television, part of that army of 20-somethings with clipboards and radios who watch over equipment or shoo pedestrians away from location shoots. That changed a few weeks ago when production after production in the city closed down.Over the last few years, Josh Taylor has found steady work as a production assistant in movies and television, part of that army of 20-somethings with clipboards and radios who watch over equipment or shoo pedestrians away from location shoots. That changed a few weeks ago when production after production in the city closed down.
While he always had side gigs to earn extra money, he now has recourse to only one: riding a bike through empty Manhattan streets delivering for Uber Eats in the evenings. The tips have been good, but they’re still not enough to make up for the anxiety he feels when he returns home near Yankee Stadium, where he has been living with his 80-year-old grandmother to save money.While he always had side gigs to earn extra money, he now has recourse to only one: riding a bike through empty Manhattan streets delivering for Uber Eats in the evenings. The tips have been good, but they’re still not enough to make up for the anxiety he feels when he returns home near Yankee Stadium, where he has been living with his 80-year-old grandmother to save money.
“I should be inside,” Mr. Taylor said. “I try to keep my distance since I’m outside every day. I’m making money. But I’m more worried about my grandmother getting sick.”“I should be inside,” Mr. Taylor said. “I try to keep my distance since I’m outside every day. I’m making money. But I’m more worried about my grandmother getting sick.”
He had stumbled into production work as a teenager when his sister, who was working on a Spiderman movie, asked if he was interested in becoming an assistant like her. It went well, and within a few years he was finding steady work on productions by NBC, Comedy Central and Netflix.He had stumbled into production work as a teenager when his sister, who was working on a Spiderman movie, asked if he was interested in becoming an assistant like her. It went well, and within a few years he was finding steady work on productions by NBC, Comedy Central and Netflix.
But three weeks ago, the work vanished. “I don’t think anyone is working right now,” he said.But three weeks ago, the work vanished. “I don’t think anyone is working right now,” he said.
One of his backup gigs — dog walking — also dried up around the same time. “So I turned to my other job delivering food for Uber Eats,” he said. “I’m concerned. But I’ve noticed that whenever I go downtown now, there’s virtually no one outside. I wear medical gloves. I’m not hugging or high-fiving anyone. I keep my distance and don’t interact with people.”One of his backup gigs — dog walking — also dried up around the same time. “So I turned to my other job delivering food for Uber Eats,” he said. “I’m concerned. But I’ve noticed that whenever I go downtown now, there’s virtually no one outside. I wear medical gloves. I’m not hugging or high-fiving anyone. I keep my distance and don’t interact with people.”
He takes more protective measures when he returns home to his grandmother.He takes more protective measures when he returns home to his grandmother.
“When I get home I take off the gloves and my clothes, wash my hands and jump in the shower,” he said. “I keep the clothes I wore outside in a safe place in my room. My grandmother doesn’t go in my room anymore.”“When I get home I take off the gloves and my clothes, wash my hands and jump in the shower,” he said. “I keep the clothes I wore outside in a safe place in my room. My grandmother doesn’t go in my room anymore.”
So far, he isn’t afraid of being unable to pay rent, thanks to a higher rate from Uber and a noticeable increase in tips.So far, he isn’t afraid of being unable to pay rent, thanks to a higher rate from Uber and a noticeable increase in tips.
“People are afraid not to tip, because all of us are working outside where corona is,” he said. “Honestly, I’m making money.”“People are afraid not to tip, because all of us are working outside where corona is,” he said. “Honestly, I’m making money.”
Until when, however, is a nagging question.Until when, however, is a nagging question.
“I can do deliveries every day,” he said. “Unless they shut down the city. That would make it impossible for me.”“I can do deliveries every day,” he said. “Unless they shut down the city. That would make it impossible for me.”
When Jen Abbate divorced her husband four years ago, she kept the two-bedroom apartment they had shared in Park Slope. Ms. Abbate, an educator at a nearby private school in Brooklyn, knew it would be hard to make the $3,000 monthly rent, so she took in a roommate. Then she started side gigs tutoring and babysitting to make ends meet. Finally, she took in a second roommate.When Jen Abbate divorced her husband four years ago, she kept the two-bedroom apartment they had shared in Park Slope. Ms. Abbate, an educator at a nearby private school in Brooklyn, knew it would be hard to make the $3,000 monthly rent, so she took in a roommate. Then she started side gigs tutoring and babysitting to make ends meet. Finally, she took in a second roommate.
“Even sharing with one person wasn’t enough if you’re trying to live in New York City,” said Ms. Abbate.“Even sharing with one person wasn’t enough if you’re trying to live in New York City,” said Ms. Abbate.
Then, a week ago, one of Ms. Abbate’s roommates moved out with little explanation, taking the Clorox wipes she had purchased for the apartment, though she later contributed her part of April’s rent. And while Ms. Abbate is grateful that her school continues to pay her salary, her anxiety over an uncertain future was jarring, especially since her side gigs dried up.Then, a week ago, one of Ms. Abbate’s roommates moved out with little explanation, taking the Clorox wipes she had purchased for the apartment, though she later contributed her part of April’s rent. And while Ms. Abbate is grateful that her school continues to pay her salary, her anxiety over an uncertain future was jarring, especially since her side gigs dried up.
“My divorce messed with my finances, and I was just starting to recover from that,” she said. “What I realized with this coronavirus situation is how vulnerable I am to not making ends meet. Without those side gigs, I have no security. I’m 36, living this roommate, side-hustle life I never thought I’d have to do at this age.”“My divorce messed with my finances, and I was just starting to recover from that,” she said. “What I realized with this coronavirus situation is how vulnerable I am to not making ends meet. Without those side gigs, I have no security. I’m 36, living this roommate, side-hustle life I never thought I’d have to do at this age.”
In March, she started to cut back on anything that was a luxury, including her gym membership, Hulu and Netflix. She has autoimmune issues, though, so she is keeping, for now, her monthly $100 membership fee at a medical group.In March, she started to cut back on anything that was a luxury, including her gym membership, Hulu and Netflix. She has autoimmune issues, though, so she is keeping, for now, her monthly $100 membership fee at a medical group.
Worse, she has no idea how long this will last. She applied for federal help with student loan forbearance, and she expects to save $450 monthly in payments starting in May, though eventually she will have to make the postponed payments. Still, she wonders if her landlord will ease up on the rent, if things drag on.Worse, she has no idea how long this will last. She applied for federal help with student loan forbearance, and she expects to save $450 monthly in payments starting in May, though eventually she will have to make the postponed payments. Still, she wonders if her landlord will ease up on the rent, if things drag on.
“My biggest worry is sliding back into personal debt,” she said. “Since I’ve been working part time tutoring and babysitting, I’ve been able to make enough to stay out of credit card debt. At 36, what I’d like to do is have money to move out on my own and have emergency funds if something like this happens.”“My biggest worry is sliding back into personal debt,” she said. “Since I’ve been working part time tutoring and babysitting, I’ve been able to make enough to stay out of credit card debt. At 36, what I’d like to do is have money to move out on my own and have emergency funds if something like this happens.”
She knows that despite these hardships, there are people who are in much more tenuous situations. “Being an educator, this just highlights educational inequality,” she said. “You see the differences families have, from wealthy families who can pay you during a shutdown to families without laptops or internet.”She knows that despite these hardships, there are people who are in much more tenuous situations. “Being an educator, this just highlights educational inequality,” she said. “You see the differences families have, from wealthy families who can pay you during a shutdown to families without laptops or internet.”
Being close to her own family, especially her 92-year-old grandmother Helen Losapio, who lives by herself in Yonkers, was the main reason she returned to New York. She used to visit her weekly. Not anymore.Being close to her own family, especially her 92-year-old grandmother Helen Losapio, who lives by herself in Yonkers, was the main reason she returned to New York. She used to visit her weekly. Not anymore.
“My biggest worry is my grandma,” she said. “Because I have been exposed to multiple people, I can’t spend time with her. She’s really lonely, and not being able to see her makes it even harder.”“My biggest worry is my grandma,” she said. “Because I have been exposed to multiple people, I can’t spend time with her. She’s really lonely, and not being able to see her makes it even harder.”
Boyvi, a day laborer or, “jornalero,” originally from Guatemala, has been without a construction job for almost three weeks.Boyvi, a day laborer or, “jornalero,” originally from Guatemala, has been without a construction job for almost three weeks.
Even before Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo ordered residential and commercial construction sites to shut down, Boyvi’s boss began scaling back. First, he gradually cut hours; then, he told the crew they were no longer needed at the site. Now Boyvi and other workers wait to resume construction on the 30-floor residential building in Manhattan. But his finances cannot wait until then.Even before Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo ordered residential and commercial construction sites to shut down, Boyvi’s boss began scaling back. First, he gradually cut hours; then, he told the crew they were no longer needed at the site. Now Boyvi and other workers wait to resume construction on the 30-floor residential building in Manhattan. But his finances cannot wait until then.
“There’s bills to pay,” Boyvi said. “There are too many worries.”“There’s bills to pay,” Boyvi said. “There are too many worries.”
He has contacted other employers who sometimes call him for construction side gigs, but the answer is always the same: nothing available.He has contacted other employers who sometimes call him for construction side gigs, but the answer is always the same: nothing available.
Boyvi, who is undocumented and was paid in cash, worries about not being eligible for any federal aid. He spent the remainder of his savings on groceries that are supposed to last him a week. After that, he is unsure how he will eat and pay his share of the rent of the four-bedroom apartment he occupies with four other family members in Brooklyn. Altogether, his monthly bills add up to $2,000.Boyvi, who is undocumented and was paid in cash, worries about not being eligible for any federal aid. He spent the remainder of his savings on groceries that are supposed to last him a week. After that, he is unsure how he will eat and pay his share of the rent of the four-bedroom apartment he occupies with four other family members in Brooklyn. Altogether, his monthly bills add up to $2,000.
“This is,” he said, “the most expensive city on earth.”“This is,” he said, “the most expensive city on earth.”
And if he were to get sick with Covid-19, he has no idea how he would pay for the hospital bills. Boyvi, like most undocumented immigrants, has no health insurance.And if he were to get sick with Covid-19, he has no idea how he would pay for the hospital bills. Boyvi, like most undocumented immigrants, has no health insurance.
“It’s a circle of worries. There are no words,” he said. “I am trapped at home. It’s like a trauma of all these things piling up.”“It’s a circle of worries. There are no words,” he said. “I am trapped at home. It’s like a trauma of all these things piling up.”
To help workers like Boyvi amid the outbreak, the Workers Justice Project, a Brooklyn based organization that represents day laborers and domestic workers, has created a relief fund for donations.To help workers like Boyvi amid the outbreak, the Workers Justice Project, a Brooklyn based organization that represents day laborers and domestic workers, has created a relief fund for donations.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
After five years of running dineDK, a high-end catering business, from his Hoboken home, David Kirschner thought this would be his breakout year. He and a roster of experienced freelance chefs worked with clients to create unique culinary experiences from intimate at-home dinners for two to receptions for 200 people. Business was so good, he was negotiating a lease for an 1,800-square-foot space in downtown Jersey City that would have had a culinary studio with a large kitchen, as well as an event space under one roof.After five years of running dineDK, a high-end catering business, from his Hoboken home, David Kirschner thought this would be his breakout year. He and a roster of experienced freelance chefs worked with clients to create unique culinary experiences from intimate at-home dinners for two to receptions for 200 people. Business was so good, he was negotiating a lease for an 1,800-square-foot space in downtown Jersey City that would have had a culinary studio with a large kitchen, as well as an event space under one roof.
But after seeing at least his next two months of events vanish because of coronavirus-related shutdowns, he’s using the $30,000 that would have been his security deposit to keep his business afloat.But after seeing at least his next two months of events vanish because of coronavirus-related shutdowns, he’s using the $30,000 that would have been his security deposit to keep his business afloat.
“We’re an event business,” said Mr. Kirschner. “Now we’re facing hard decisions. What if this economic downturn affects our ability to move forward? Parties have already been pushed back to June or July. Right now, we’re staring down a hole of zero revenue.”“We’re an event business,” said Mr. Kirschner. “Now we’re facing hard decisions. What if this economic downturn affects our ability to move forward? Parties have already been pushed back to June or July. Right now, we’re staring down a hole of zero revenue.”
He and his wife, Allison, a freelance casting associate, had thought this year would bring financial stability, but instead they are tapping into their savings. They have tightened their belts, giving up the nanny who used to come by twice a week to help care for Ava, their 21-month old child.He and his wife, Allison, a freelance casting associate, had thought this year would bring financial stability, but instead they are tapping into their savings. They have tightened their belts, giving up the nanny who used to come by twice a week to help care for Ava, their 21-month old child.
His company employs only three people, relying on freelance chefs and partnerships with agencies in different cities to provide wait staff.His company employs only three people, relying on freelance chefs and partnerships with agencies in different cities to provide wait staff.
Although 85 percent of his clients are across the river in New York City, his company cannot tap into small business relief the city offers.Although 85 percent of his clients are across the river in New York City, his company cannot tap into small business relief the city offers.
“We pay our taxes to New York,” he said. “But we’re not getting access to any of the relief efforts they rolled out quickly. And New Jersey hasn’t released any individual packages.”“We pay our taxes to New York,” he said. “But we’re not getting access to any of the relief efforts they rolled out quickly. And New Jersey hasn’t released any individual packages.”
He’s been looking into federal small business loans, though he’s worried about taking on debt with no idea when he can reopen. He just set up a GoFundMe page to raise $100,000 that he said would help the business move forward and support his staff, whom he still employs.He’s been looking into federal small business loans, though he’s worried about taking on debt with no idea when he can reopen. He just set up a GoFundMe page to raise $100,000 that he said would help the business move forward and support his staff, whom he still employs.
But as long as the virus continues to spread and claim victims, he cannot in good conscience expect his chefs and servers — many of whom live in Brooklyn — to venture out to work and risk getting infected or infecting someone else.But as long as the virus continues to spread and claim victims, he cannot in good conscience expect his chefs and servers — many of whom live in Brooklyn — to venture out to work and risk getting infected or infecting someone else.
“This isn’t just a business,” he said. “It’s a business with people.”“This isn’t just a business,” he said. “It’s a business with people.”
Yulan Grant used to spend half of her week earning $25 an hour as an art handler at the New Museum, where she carefully transported heavy pieces of contemporary art. But her days at galleries, warehouses and museums ended in early March, and with that, part of her income.Yulan Grant used to spend half of her week earning $25 an hour as an art handler at the New Museum, where she carefully transported heavy pieces of contemporary art. But her days at galleries, warehouses and museums ended in early March, and with that, part of her income.
She has not stepped foot in an art gallery for more than three weeks.She has not stepped foot in an art gallery for more than three weeks.
“We just can’t work,” said Ms. Grant, who has had respiratory issues since she was a child in Jamaica. “It’s really unsafe for us to do so. If you are taking care of a piece that requires more than one person — which most pieces require — you can’t do social distancing.”“We just can’t work,” said Ms. Grant, who has had respiratory issues since she was a child in Jamaica. “It’s really unsafe for us to do so. If you are taking care of a piece that requires more than one person — which most pieces require — you can’t do social distancing.”
In addition to her gig at the museum, she had been supplementing her income by working as a D.J. Under the moniker SHYBOI, Ms. Grant played techno, house and soca music at Brooklyn nightspots and toured overseas where she also played festivals. But as clubs were forced to close, festivals canceled or postponed and global travel restrictions enacted, she lost another source of income.In addition to her gig at the museum, she had been supplementing her income by working as a D.J. Under the moniker SHYBOI, Ms. Grant played techno, house and soca music at Brooklyn nightspots and toured overseas where she also played festivals. But as clubs were forced to close, festivals canceled or postponed and global travel restrictions enacted, she lost another source of income.
Ms. Grant was supposed to be touring in Europe until April, for which she would have earned $5,000.Ms. Grant was supposed to be touring in Europe until April, for which she would have earned $5,000.
Now, she spends hours in the Brooklyn apartment she shares with two other roommates, one of whom also works in the nightlife business, searching for online jobs. So far, she has earned some income doing mixes and playing one show online, but that is not enough to cover rent and her private health insurance.Now, she spends hours in the Brooklyn apartment she shares with two other roommates, one of whom also works in the nightlife business, searching for online jobs. So far, she has earned some income doing mixes and playing one show online, but that is not enough to cover rent and her private health insurance.
“Even though I have absolutely no work right now,” she said, “I still need to find money every month to make sure my policy doesn’t run out during the middle of a pandemic.”“Even though I have absolutely no work right now,” she said, “I still need to find money every month to make sure my policy doesn’t run out during the middle of a pandemic.”
She hopes she can use her knowledge of art to find archiving work for magazines and galleries, but the search has been fruitless. Many freelancers like her are competing for the same jobs.She hopes she can use her knowledge of art to find archiving work for magazines and galleries, but the search has been fruitless. Many freelancers like her are competing for the same jobs.
Her worries go beyond how she will pay her bills if there is an extended shutdown. Even after that, she fears what will happen to nightclubs and galleries when the pandemic passes.Her worries go beyond how she will pay her bills if there is an extended shutdown. Even after that, she fears what will happen to nightclubs and galleries when the pandemic passes.
“It’s tricky because there’s no foreseeable income,” Ms. Grant said. “No one knows when the museums and galleries will be open again. We just don’t know when the clubs will be open or especially in New York, if they will able to survive being closed for more than a month.”“It’s tricky because there’s no foreseeable income,” Ms. Grant said. “No one knows when the museums and galleries will be open again. We just don’t know when the clubs will be open or especially in New York, if they will able to survive being closed for more than a month.”
She said she has savings to pay for two months of rent, groceries and other bills. After that, she does not know what she would do, she said: “That would basically be me going through every dollar I have.”She said she has savings to pay for two months of rent, groceries and other bills. After that, she does not know what she would do, she said: “That would basically be me going through every dollar I have.”